The county has more recreational facilities than ever, adding a new park, basketball gym, community center and house for office space last year, but declining property tax revenues may force facilities to be closed or result in less upkeep.

Notecards designed by Covinton-area children are on sale now in a Miracle League fundraiser. The cards were drawn last year in the Miracle League's annual competition to raise awareness of exceptional children and their recreation needs. Each pack of 12 cards costs $10 and features two cards designed by each of the six featured artists. All proceeds go to the construction of the Miracle League Complex at City Pond Park. Cards are available at the Turner Lake Complex, 6185 Turner Lake Road. Call (770) 786-4373, extension 14.

ATLANTA - The Georgia Senate is set to take up a bill that aims to crack down on illegal immigration in the state and also has some provisions similar to those in a tough law enacted last year in Arizona.

Senators on Monday are set to take up an amended version of a House bill sponsored by Rep. Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City.

Americans do two things perhaps better than any other group of people on the planet: party and have a good time. Leisure has been a critical part of the American framework throughout our history. That's not to say every nationality doesn't have some sort of customary games and or entertainment they grasp to when it's time to relax.

While the federal government wrangles over how to cut its budget and reduce its deficit, Newton County officials are staring at the other side of the coin, trying to find a way to increase its dwindling emergency reserves while tax revenues continue to drop.

Wendy Cartledge-Carter became the victim of convicted murderer Cobey Wade Lakemper on August 18, 2005 - her 41st birthday. But before she was a victim, she was a wife, a mother and Daddy's little girl. And according to her family, nothing will ever change that.

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup will continue through April 15. During the signup period, farmers and ranchers may offer eligible land for CRP's competitive general signup at their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) Office.

Stellar students: The Newton County NAACP Youth took home some top honors at the recent Southeast Region convention held in Montgomery, Ala., including Advisor of the Year and Youth Counselor of the Year honors. Shown are from left (advisor Cathelene Perry; members Kurtoious Crawford, a sophomore at Alcovy High School; Thomas Johnson, a freshman at Challenge Charter Academy; and Tevin Norman, a sophomore at Eastside High School. Not pictured is Brandi Clark, a senior at Newton High School.

The lines have yet to be drawn, but Newton County's state representation will change and its influence should theoretically increase, given the fact the county gained nearly 40,000 residents in the past decade.